Los Angeles, California – Katy Perry bid farewell to “American Idol” Season 22 as she took the stage one last time as a judge on the popular ABC reality series competition. Alongside fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Perry made her final appearance on the show during the emotional Season 22 finale.
The singer, visibly emotional, walked into the finale hand in hand with her co-judges and host Ryan Seacrest, knowing it would be her last time on the show. Perry’s last performance on the “American Idol” stage included singing “What Makes a Woman” with third-place finalist Jack Blocker.
Throughout the three-hour finale, the mention of it being Perry’s final show brought tears to her eyes, showcasing the impact the show has had on her. The Top 12 contestants also paid tribute to Perry by performing a medley of her hits, including “Teenage Dream,” “Dark Horse,” and “California Gurls.”
Despite not addressing the viewers directly on her last day as a judge, Perry was moved to tears when the Season 22 winner, Abi Carter, performed “What Was I Made For?” As confetti fell and credits rolled, Richie and Bryan shared an emotional moment with Perry on stage.
Perry, Bryan, and Richie joined “American Idol” in 2018 when ABC revived the show after fifteen seasons on Fox. The departure of Perry marks a change in the judge’s panel, as ABC has not yet announced who will fill her spot in the upcoming Season 23.
Reflecting on her time on the show, Perry expressed her emotions in an interview, stating, “It’s been a beautiful journey, and I love watching these kids grow and become this big beautiful patchwork quilt.” The anticipation of her emotional farewell was evident as she prepared to say goodbye to “American Idol” in a heartfelt manner.
As fans bid adieu to Perry’s tenure on the show, they await news of who will join the judge’s panel in the next season of “American Idol,” carrying on the legacy of the iconic singing competition.